When Iowa State scheduled Texas Southern before this season — a team that lost its first 13 games last year, and finished 16-20 overall — the Cyclones probably didn’t expect it to be a test like this.

When the Cyclones (2-0, 0-0 Big 12) take on Texas Southern (1-1, 0-0 SWAC) Monday at 7 p.m. at Hilton Coliseum, it will take a disciplined game for Iowa State to pull off the victory.

Texas Southern’s head coach, Mike Davis, left for Detroit Mercy. Yet somehow, the Tigers seem to have taken a step forward.

The Tigers went into Waco, Texas, for their season opener and knocked off Baylor, 72-69. Baylor led by 13 at halftime and even pushed the lead to 16 points with 13:45 to play, but Texas Southern roared back for a win. KenPom gave Texas Southern a 0.3 percent win probability at one point.

That gives Iowa State a tougher task than expected, especially with star guard Lindell Wigginton still expected to miss at two weeks with a strain in his left foot.

The injury left more playing time for freshman Tyrese Haliburton, who played all 40 minutes for Iowa State in its 76-59 win over Missouri last Friday.

“It’s experience that a lot of other freshmen don’t get,” Haliburton said. “At the same time I get to solidify myself and show Cyclone nation and coach Prohm that I’m here for a reason. I don’t know if anybody has more trust in me than [Prohm] so that helps a lot.”

Haliburton will likely remain in the starting lineup until Wigginton returns. Coach Steve Prohm said Wigginton will be in a cast for a week (from last Thursday) and in a boot for another week after that.

Haliburton finished the Missouri game with eight points (3-for-6 shooting), four steals, three rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Perhaps most importantly, Haliburton played all 40 minutes without turning the ball over.

Wigginton’s absence also means a bigger role for redshirt senior guard Nick Weiler-Babb, who is averaging 10.5 points per game this season. Weiler-Babb deflected, saying his role shouldn’t change much because of Wigginton’s injury.

“With Lindell in or out, I have to be more aggressive,” Weiler-Babb said. “When Lindell’s in there, I have to be still aggressive. He’s another outlet to pass it to or somebody who’s a big-time scorer for us, but I don’t think as much changes.”

Through Texas Southern’s first two games — the aforementioned win over Baylor and a 104-67 loss to Gonzaga — the Tigers are ranked 31st in the nation in tempo, according to KenPom.

Texas Southern ranks 315th nationally (out of 353 teams) in defensive rebounding, meaning redshirt junior Michael Jacobson could be key.

Jacobson has registered three offensive rebounds in each of his first two games as a Cyclone.

“I thought Mike was terrific [against Missouri],” Prohm said. “Offensively, I thought he really did some good things … the three offensive rebounds and loose balls and fouls he got, he plays with great energy and toughness.”

The Cyclones will still be down to eight scholarship players against the Tigers. Cameron Lard and Zoran Talley Jr. are out due to suspensions until December, and Wigginton and Solomon Young are out with injuries.

It’s reminiscent of last season, when Iowa State faced injuries, suspensions or other leaves of absences from six players at various points in the season. Weiler-Babb said this year is already going better than last year.

“Hey, we’re 2-0,” Weiler-Babb said with a smile. “Last year we were 0-2, so there’s no ‘here we go again.'”